Abstract:

There are different understandings of the term “shentan” mentioned in the “Second Year of Duke Cheng” in The Chronicle of Zuo. By combining historical documents handed down for generations, archaeological materials, and life experiences, we find that “shentan” refers to mussel grey and charcoal. The material was mainly used for sterilization and also had the effect of moisture-proof and theft-proof in burials. Archaeological data show that the use of “shentan” in tombs originated in the mid-Western Zhou Dynasty and became popular in the Eastern Zhou Dynasty. However, the burial custom of using “shentan” cannot be found in Shang tombs that still remain. This shows that Shang and Zhou cultures were different. The record of the funeral of Duke Wen of Song in The Chronicle of Zuo rhetorically implies a derogatory view of Duke Wen of Song. In addition to revealing its facts from a perspective of history, its “deep meaning” can also be analyzed from a perspective of classical learning.

Key words: The Chronicle of Zuo, shentan, triple evidences, perspectives of classical learning and history, Shang and Zhou cultures